NFL 2014 Live Mock Draft Round 3Selections 65-100

2014 NFL Live Mock Draft Round 3
May 8-10, 2014

65

Houston

C.J. Fiedorowicz Iowa TE Reach/Value: -39

Height:6'5"Weight:265

Alternate Pick #1 Keith McGill Alternate Pick #2 Pierre Desir

Owen Daniels left in F/A and for years the Texans have utilized H-Back sized TE's . . . that won't cut it in O'Brien's running game, where sealing the perimeter is of paramount importance. This Hawkeye is a solid blocker with good hands . . . value meets need! Highlight Video Grade: B+

66

Washington

Morgan Moses Virginia LOT Reach/Value: +33

Height:6'6"Weight:314

Alternate Pick #1 Cameron Fleming Alternate Pick #2 David Yankey

Morgan Moses is a mountain of a man that will start from Day One at right tackle. As Todd McShay has often said, you need a cab ride to get around him, and he should be a huge upgrade for the Redskins on the offensive line. Moses is not the most athletic tackle remaining, but the Redskins want to get tougher on the offensive line and they succeed with this former Cavalier. Highlight Video Grade: A

67

Miami

Billy Turner North Dakota St ROT Reach/Value: -16

Height:6'5"Weight:315

Alternate Pick #1 David Yankey Alternate Pick #2 Dakota Dozier

Consider the Offensive Line rebuilt. LT Albert and OG Smith added in Free Agency. OTs James and Turner picked in the First and Third Rounds, respectively. It's realistic that OC Pouncey may be only holdover from to 2013 to start along OL, and he could still be disciplined for the Martin situation. Turner has the traits to eventually excel as an RT in a ZBS though he'll need some coaching and refinement after playing FCS competition. Four year-starter though.Highlight Video Grade: B

68

Atlanta

Dezmen Southward Wisconsin FS Reach/Value: -61

Height:6'0"Weight:211

Alternate Pick #1 Keith McGill Alternate Pick #2 Pierre Desir

I don't know what to say about a reach of Titanic proportions . . . I guess Atlanta wanted to outdo Seattle in at least one category. Southward is a special teams project, a 7th round grade at best, and does absolutely nothing for a Falcon defense in dire need of deep help. Grade: F

69

Tampa Bay

Charles Sims WVU RBF Reach/Value: -46

Height:6'0"Weight:214

Alternate Pick #1 Zach Mettenberger Alternate Pick #2 A.J. McCarron

Sims is a 3rd-down, change-of-pace type back that is exceptionally skilled at catching passes out of the backfield. A one-cut runner, Sims will be work perfectly when the Bucs spread the field with their NBA-sized wideouts. Highlight Video Grade: B+

70

San Francisco

Marcus Martin USC OC Reach/Value: +13

Height:6'3"Weight:310

Alternate Pick #1 Keith McGill Alternate Pick #2 Pierre Desir

The 49ers are the prime example of a team that takes a BPA approach. Marcus Martin, from USC, is a great value in the early Third Round. He has the ability to play any interior OL position and may challenge incumbent OC Kilgore for playing time this season. San Francisco knows how to run a draft: trade up or down, and take the best players left on the board. Highlight Video Grade: B+

71

Cleveland

Christian Kirksey Iowa ILB Reach/Value: -38

Height:6'2"Weight:233

Alternate Pick #1 Donte Moncrief Alternate Pick #2 Martavis Bryant

The Browns pass on ILB Chris Borland in favor of Kirksey, who was a standout for the Hawkeyes. Here's his draft profile and analysis. I wonder when the Browns will draft Josh Gordon's replacement?Grade: A-

72

Minnesota

Scott Crichton Oregon State DE43 Reach/Value: +20

Height:6'3"Weight:273

Alternate Pick #1 Pierre Desir Alternate Pick #2 Bashaud Breeland

Can't argue with the value here, which leads me to believe that Crichton was the proverbial "BPA" on the Vikings' board. With Griffen and Robison in tow for the next few years, this was certainly not a "starting" need pick; however, there's a lot to be said for having a solid rotation on the DL. It also looks like Mike Zimmer is filling the defense with "his guys", which can't be a bad thing either. Grade: A-

73

Buffalo

Preston Brown Louisville ILB Reach/Value: -49

Height:6'1"Weight:251

Alternate Pick #1 David Yankey Alternate Pick #2 Kareem Martin

Preston Brown visited Buffalo, and my Visits Mock pegged him a later than RD3. He's a thumper-type run-stuffer that will be learning how to lock down the center of the field from the NFL's best at it, Brandon Spikes. He's a solid, leader-type, downhill guy who led the Cardinals in tackles for three consecutive seasons. He's also one of those core special teams players that Marrone was talking about. Hopefully Spikes won't teach him how to Tweet. Grade:B-

74

NY Giants

Jay Bromley Syracuse DT43 Reach/Value: -51

Height:6'3"Weight:293

Alternate Pick #1 Louis Nix Alternate Pick #2 David Yankey

Local Syracuse product jumped up from 285 lbs to 306 lbs from the start of his Senior season, until the March Combine in Indianapolis. Short -area quickness is decent and has a solid arm-over move, but will need coached up on his run defense and keeping his eye on the ball. Grade: C+

75

St Louis

Tre Mason Auburn RBF Reach/Value: +10

Height:5'8"Weight:207

Alternate Pick #1 David Yankey Alternate Pick #2 Donte Moncrief

This was the first of the Rams' picks to be debated at length in the War Room. The speedy, athletic Mason is a perfect complement to Zac Stacy. The Rams are serious in this draft about developing both a dominant defense and running game. It doesn't hurt that Mason will be running behind his college teammate Greg Robinson, the Rams' selection at Number 2. Highlight Video Grade: B

76

Detroit

Travis Swanson Arkansas OC Reach/Value: -31

Height:6'5"Weight:312

Alternate Pick #1 Terrence Brooks Alternate Pick #2 Kareem Martin

The Lions get the heir apparent to Center Dominic Raiola in Swanson, who is a cerebral student of man-blocking techniques. A bit lean, and a bit too tall at 6'5", the Lions will take a season to build out his frame and teach him the line assignments and audibles. This pick might have been better utilized in bolstering the secondary.Grade: C

77

San Francisco

Chris Borland Wisconsin ILB Reach/Value: -33

Height:5'11"Weight:248

Alternate Pick #1 Keith McGill Alternate Pick #2 Pierre Desir

The 49ers find talent and mesh it with need. NaVorro Bowman's devastating knee injury in the NFC Championship game leaves his status up in the air for 2014. When paired with Willis, they were the best ILB duo in The League. However, depth behind them is paper-thin. Borland will certainly help. While he isn't fleet of foot, he can hit with the best of 'em though his small stature may limit his potential in the NFL. Highlight Video Grade: B-

The Redskins fill a position of need, but this seems like quite a reach. Listed by most as a 5-6th-Round pick, the Redskins have to hope that he is skilled enough to be a Third-Round pick and it was his knee injury that held him back in 2013. Long is a great story, as he walked onto the team and fought his way into the starting lineup. Grade: C

Baltimore may have passed the window where they can address their most significant need: RT. Moreover, the Draft's premier running backs were taken before Newsome could make this selection. That said, the Ravens sorely needed a safety to pair with last year's first rounder and landed a good one in Terrence Brooks out of Florida State. Like Elam, he is an assassin in the backfield, and the two could form a lethal combo. Good value. Highlight Video Grade: A

80

NY Jets

Dexter McDougle Maryland CB Reach/Value: -46

Height:5'10"Weight:196

Alternate Pick #1 Donte Moncrief Alternate Pick #2 David Yankey

To say the Jets' reached here is a bit of an understatement. Dexter McDougle was the 376th prospect on our Big Board. Mc Dougle missed the final 9 games of the season with a broken shoulder blade so that would have hampered his draft stock somewhat. Here are some Highlights of the relatively-unknown CB. Grade: C-

81

Oakland

Gabe Jackson Mississippi St OG Reach/Value: +12

Height:6'3"Weight:336

Alternate Pick #1 Louis Nix Alternate Pick #2 Donte Moncrief

Jackson is a perfect fit for what the Raiders are trying to do on offense. The Bulldog has the ability to push for a starting job among the current projected starting five or could give the team options regarding whether free agent acquisition Austin Howard is best-suited for guard or replacing Watson at tackle. A potential Pro Bowler and a standout, but I have to wonder about passing on value DL here. Grade: A-

82

Chicago

Will Sutton Arizona State DT43 Reach/Value: -4

Height:6'0"Weight:303

Alternate Pick #1 Shayne Skov Alternate Pick #2 Dri Archer

Sutton added to the defensive-minded draft for the Bears. Very big question marks surrounding what player the Bears are getting with this selection. Needs to improve strength to become rotational contributor. Highlight Video Grade: C+

83

Houston

Louis Nix Notre Dame DT34 Reach/Value: +60

Height:6'2"Weight:331

Alternate Pick #1 Keith McGill Alternate Pick #2 Pierre Desir

Helluva value, when the Texans can obtain the #1 NT prospect at pick #83 . . . yeah, Nix needs to drop 20 pounds in order to participate in more plays, but anyone watching Houston's 2013 defense get shredded up the middle with undersized NT's knows this is value at a position of need! Grade: A+

84

Arizona

Kareem Martin North Carolina DE34 Reach/Value: +16

Height:6'6"Weight:272

Alternate Pick #1 Will Clarke Alternate Pick #2 Zach Mettenberger

A much better selection by the Cardinals' draft contingent in the Third Round. They needed help along the DL and Martin is a perfect fit. He adds depth behind Campbell, Dockett, and Rucker and could be the heir to the outspoken Dockett's position. He's a value pick at a position of need. Highlight Video Grade: B+

85

Green Bay

Khyri Thornton Southern Miss DE34 Reach/Value: -28

Height:6'3"Weight:304

Alternate Pick #1 Donte Moncrief Alternate Pick #2 Martavis Bryant

Thornton has been a recent fast riser on a lot of draft boards. Played on a horrible team so his efforts often went unnoticed. Ran a 5.03 40 yd dash at the combine, which shows up when you watch his lateral pursuit. Anchors well and doesn't disengage until he sees where the ball carrier is. A Raji replacement, no doubt. Grade B.

86

Philadelphia

Josh Huff Oregon WRF Reach/Value: -46

Height:5'11"Weight:205

Alternate Pick #1 Keith McGill Alternate Pick #2 Pierre Desir

Ah, there's that Oregon connection. Even after adding Jordan Matthews earlier, Philly avoids more help on D (ILB? Safety?) to add a shifty WR. Philly can line him up off the ball (struggles versus press coverage) and get him in space and soft zones to produce great YAC. Some personality quirks but the Philly environment with Kelly should keep them under wraps. Highlight Video Grade: C+

87

Kansas City

Phillip Gaines Rice CB Reach/Value: -30

Height:6'0"Weight:193

Alternate Pick #1 David Yankey Alternate Pick #2 Donte Moncrief

John Dorsey passes on the taller CB's he prefers like Keith McGill and Pierre Desir to grab CB Phillip Gaines. At first, this selection is puzzling. Gaines is blazing fast with nice length. However, he is not strong enough to play press-man coverage. Look for Gaines to be in the starting mix at Free Safety and not Cornerback. Grade: B

OT would have filled a need here but with the loss of MJ93 Cincy goes DE. This is a guy with tremendous upside shown during the Senior Bowl, but he needs to work on consistency. He has the physical tools to make an impact if he continues to grow as a pass rusher. He has a big frame to continue the tradition of power forward-size DEs in Cincy. Highlight VideoGrade: C+

89

San Diego

Chris Watt Notre Dame OG Reach/Value: -38

Height:6'3"Weight:310

Alternate Pick #1 Cameron Fleming Alternate Pick #2 Justin Ellis

Another position the Chargers were expected to address early was Offensive Guard. Chris Watt and Zack Martin formed a strong left side of the line for Notre Dame, but it was Martin who caught scouts' eyes throughout the year, moreso than Watt. As a result, Watt was generally projected as a mid-Day 3 pick. Having said that, he's a smart, steady player who should provide some stability at Guard. Jeromey Clary, you've been warned! Grade: B-

90

Indianapolis

Donte Moncrief Ole Miss WRF Reach/Value: +42

Height:6'2"Weight:221

Alternate Pick #1 Keith McGill Alternate Pick #2 Pierre Desir

This will be a matter of Donte studying Reggie Wayne closely and working his tail off each day, all year round. If he does, this might be a sensational pick as Moncrief is a speedy, strong, and good-sized wideout that can open up the field. Highlight Video Grade: A

91

Arizona

John Brown Pittsburg State WRS Reach/Value: -30

Height:5'10"Weight:179

Alternate Pick #1 Zach Mettenberger Alternate Pick #2 James Gayle

An Andre Roberts replacement, perhaps? Brown will need to play off the line and plays must get him in space due to his lack of size and bulk. He's shifty and quick but hasn't performed against top competition. This is very early for the former Pitt State Gorillas receiver, who was expected to be a late-round selection. Grade: C-

92

Carolina

Trai Turner LSU OG Reach/Value: +5

Height:6'3"Weight:310

Alternate Pick #1 Keith McGill Alternate Pick #2 Pierre Desir

I was watching tape on OBJ in hopes of him being there at 28 and Trai Turner kept jumping off the page. This Hog-Molly is going to be a huge upgrade to our RG position and look for DoubleTrouble to be rejuvenated running behind this guy. At 6'3, 310 he is ideal size and what I love about him is how he sustains his blocks. Watch your new road-grader. Grade: A

93

Jacksonville

Brandon Linder Miami (FL) OG Reach/Value: -28

Height:6'6"Weight:311

Alternate Pick #1 Christian Jones Alternate Pick #2 Jackson Jeffcoat

Linder will likely be a backup early in his career, sitting behind Beadles and Rackley in 2014. However he has great size and the necessary experience to eventually steal a starting spot. He's extremely versatile, having played every position along the line, including TE. His stock was rising leading up to the draft but it's still a bit of a surprise to see him picked this soon. Grade: C+

94

Cleveland

Terrance West Towson RBF Reach/Value: -29

Height:5'11"Weight:223

Alternate Pick #1 Martavis Bryant Alternate Pick #2 Jared Abbrederis

The Browns needed a big banger with speed. With Carlos Hyde and Jeremy Hill off the board, West is another Back of the same ilk. Very good pass blocker who instinctively picks up the blitz. However, since the Browns traded up to reach for West, he'll have a tall mountain to climb in order to become a featured Running Back. Highlight VideoGrade: C-

95

Denver

Michael Schofield Michigan ROT Reach/Value: -17

Height:6'6"Weight:301

Alternate Pick #1 David Yankey Alternate Pick #2 Shayne Skov

The Broncos will likely slide Schofield over to OG (backup), as he doesn't have the athleticism to maintain protection on the outside. Schofield isn't really quick, but uses his hands well and has solid technique. Grade: C-

96

Minnesota

Jerick McKinnon Georgia Southern RBF Reach/Value: -39

Height:5'9"Weight:209

Alternate Pick #1 Pierre Desir Alternate Pick #2 Bashaud Breeland

The widely-anticipated running back comes off the board for the Vikings here, but it's definitely not the name many would expect here in the 3rd round. Speed, versatility, quickness, elusiveness... these are the things McKinnon brings to the table. This guy is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, and he's not a slight RB either, coming in at a solid 5'9", 209 lbs. Could they have taken him later? Maybe. Obviously Spielman didn't want to risk the wait to RD5. Grade: B

97

Pittsburgh

Dri Archer Kent St RBC Reach/Value: +24

Height:5'7"Weight:175

Alternate Pick #1 Keith McGill Alternate Pick #2 Pierre Desir

So much for a tall receiver for Big Ben. OC Todd Haley likely pounded the table for this faster small school version of Dexter McCluster. The Steelers need a change-of-pace back and could use a playmaker in the slot. Archer should be a factor in the return game as well. Highlight Video Grade:B

98

Green Bay

Richard Rodgers California TE Reach/Value: -43

Height:6'4" Weight:257

Alternate Pick #1 Yawin Smallwood Alternate Pick #2 Andrew Jackson

Once again, the Packers go to the position I expected with one of these 3rd Round picks. With Finley most likely done with Green Bay and Andrew Quarless as the probable #1 TE, help was needed. Rodgers is your protypical TE as a receiver weapon (if he keeps his weight under control), and he's not scaring anyone with his blocking. Highlight VideoGrade: B

The athletic Gillmore had been flying up Big Boards of late, and he lands in a great place. A TE and D-Lineman in 2010, he moved to the other side of the ball and showed ability as a blocker and receiver. He lacks explosion (last in the Combine split forty) but has some versatility to his game, even throwing a 27-yard pass. Combine WorkoutGrade:C+

100

San Francisco

Brandon Thomas Clemson OG Reach/Value: -60

Height:6'3'Weight:317

Alternate Pick #1 Keith McGill Alternate Pick #2 Pierre Desir

The Niners ultimately may have one of the biggest value picks of the draft. If Thomas can rehab and come right back without any additional setbacks, SF has a lineman with scheme versatility. He'll need to improve pass-blocking techniques. Grade: B